A flurry of goals in the opening minutes presenting an exciting match on Saturday afternoon as the Bruins battled the St. Andrews University Knights in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Despite a valiant effort from both teams through a full 90 minutes and extra time, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
"It was a a great effort from our guys today," Bruins Head Coach Jesse McCormick said. "I am very proud of the way they played. While St. Andrews had more possession, it was great to see us create some quality chances on goal."
The Bruins were coming off a dominant region win on Friday night as the team shutout Toccoa Falls College 4-0. They knew they would be in for a tough test against St. Andrews University, a team they had never defeated in previous matchups.
In the opening minutes, both teams came out strong as each were able to create chances early on. It didn't take long for the first goal of the match as Knights' forward Julio Rico scored a beautiful goal off a bicycle kick to make the score 1-0 just two minutes into the match.
The Bruins found the equalizer just minutes later as Jesse Rush scored on a tough angle to tie the game at 1-1. Four minutes later, the Bruins were able to take the lead as Rush connected with Sebastian Sulik and the freshman finished the play to put the Bruins up 2-1. The Knights struck again in the 16th minute as Rico scored his second goal of the match to tie the game at 2-2. After the barrage of goals early on, both defenses began to lockdown as scoring opportunities were turned aside. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the score remained 2-2.
In the second half, the Bruins and Knights came out looking to take the lead. The Knights were able to outshoot the Bruins 22-14 in the match including a 13-5 margin on goal. But Bruins keeper Isaac Landry came up with several great saves to keep the game tied. As the second half was drawing to a close, both teams went on the offensive looking to win the match. The Bruins defense was able to lock down on striker Ruben Vaca and limited his opportunities throughout the game. With a full 90 minutes played, the two teams returned to their benches to prepare for overtime as the score remained tied 2-2.
As the overtime period began, the golden goal pressure showed as both teams looked to go for the win. The Knights got their chance as a penalty was called on the Bruins defense awarding the Knights with a PK and a chance to win the match. Vaca stepped up to take the PK but Bruins' goalie Isaac Landry came up with the save of the match as the junior keeper made a diving save to keep the score 2-2. Landry came up big several times throughout the remaining minutes of overtime as the Bruins and Knights ended the match in a 2-2 draw.
Jesse Rush led the Bruins on the night with a goal and an assist while Sebastian Sulik scored his first goal for the team. Landry came up with 11 saves on the night as the Bruins move to 1-3-1 on the season. Next up, the Bruins will be back in action on Friday night as they welcome Johnson and Wales University to Alumni Stadium at 8 p.m.
